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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a recent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.